MiniLynx Pastel Compact Fluorescent Lamp

During the early 1990s it was recognised that the colour of light from the compact fluorescent lamp was one of the many obstacles preventing consumers from taking these lamps into their homes. Indeed their colour rendering index was only in the mid 80s, and the spectrum was distinctly lacking in the important red wavelengths, which incandescent lamps provide so well.

Sylvania's answer came first in the form of the Lynx Ambience non-retrofit lamps, which were offered in an extra-warm colour for hotels, restaurants etc. Following partial success the concept was extended to the MiniLynx self-ballasted lamp shown here. It was offered in two pastel colour versions, Rose and Apricot, in both 11W and 15W. These colours were produced through the use of new phosphors, plus the apparent yellow coloured dye which absorbed some of the blue wavelengths, thus increasing the dominance of the red end of the spectrum.

The product created a niche market for itself, but Sylvania's marketing focus in the professional sector, and reduced presence in the retail market for which this lamp was intended, resulted in a slow take-up. The volumes remained small and within a few years this lamp was withdrawn.

Incidentally this lamp is based on the company's second generation MiniLynx format. The ballast compartment is made slightly larger than the original version to reduce its temperature and allow the service life to be extended from 6,000 to 12,000 hours. The discharge tube is of the standard Sylvania type employing triple coil electrodes on a bead-mount cathode, with pinch-sealed tube ends.